AN ASHBURTON woman completed an epic road trip with a difference earlier this week.

Molly Fisher, along with best friend Tarran Sanders from Brighton, set out in Denis the Tuk Tuk on June 1 from John O’Groats in the rough direction of Land’s End, raising money along the way for mental health charity Mind UK.

For those unversed in the world of tuk tuks they are auto rickshaws, a three-wheeled motorised rickshaw with a top speed of 40mph, meaning the trip wasn’t going to be a quick one.

‘We’d estimated 10 of 11 days for the trip but managed it in just seven ,’ said an elated Molly from the Land’s End finish line on Tuesday evening.

‘There have been some really long days of driving but the trip has gone really well with no problems at all. We’ve certainly raised a few eyebrows as we’ve beetled along the UK’s highways and byways.

‘There’s been a fabulous and positive reaction from everyone who’s seen us and a lot of people came up to us saying how much Mind UK has helped them in the past and how much they appreciate Mind as a charity.’

The pair chose the chose to support Mind UK as it’s charity close to their hearts, and both agree that the work it does is important in ensuring nobody faces a mental health problem alone.

Denis the bright yellow tuk tuk, who took the 1,228 mile journey in his stride, was generously supplied to the pair by Manchester-based Tuk Tuk UK who stepped in with the offer of a vehicle for the duration of the charity trip.

And by pure coincidence Molly, Tarran and Denis ended up spending a day with other Tuk Tuks on the trip.

‘On the leg between Manchester and Oxford we inadvertently tagged on to the end of a Tuk Tuk rally,’ added Tarran.

‘They were more than happy for us to join in and were amazed when they found out what we were doing.’

So far the total raised is just over the £2000 mark with more to be added from the collection buckets filled on route. All donations raised will be helping Mind UK to fund better services and support so people experiencing a mental health problem get the help they need, when they need it,’ said Molly.

Anyone wanting to donate to the cause can stilled so at https://uk.gofundme.com/f/the-great-british-tuktuk-rally.